The Scottdale Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas House Tour on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 2-6 p.m. and will feature four homes and a church in and around Scottdale as well as the Geyer Performing Arts Center and West Overton Museums decorated for the holidays.
The Christmas House Tour will begin at the historic Loucks Homestead, located at 527 North Chestnut Street. The Federal style Homestead was built in 1835, and was remodeled in the 1880’s popular Victorian style. The home has maintained many of the original 1830’s architectural details and boasts many of the 1880’s embellishments. The homestead’s Christmas décor will be presented by Miss Martha’s Floral designers David Mardis and Becky Halfhill, creating holiday magic. The Society will offer holiday baskets for raffle and a special gift for tour guests. Festivities at the historic Loucks House include a display of vintage Christmas trees and ornaments, a holiday village, carolers, organists, cookies and treats. Tom Zwierzelewski, President of the Scottdale Historical Society said, “In addition to the Loucks House, we are excited to have three other Scottdale area homes on the tour this year. These houses have many great features inside and out.” Homes on the tour include, an 1897 Queen Anne built by E.H. and Clara M. Parker. This home boasts a two story foyer with exquisite wood trim and casework and the parlor mantel and stained glass windows are a period treasure. The combined styles of an America Foursquare and Colonial Revival add to the elegance of this brick home that features a grand staircase, leaded glass windows, and original millwork. The American Foursquare will also feature 20 trees decorated throughout the expansive home. A modern day Colonial styled home features formal public rooms and offers a nod to the past in the keeping room. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church was dedicated in 1892, and the style of Tudor Revival was used to transform from Victorian, showcasing the handcrafted designs of the Arts and Crafts movement Zwierzelewski added, “We are also pleased to have the Geyer Performing Arts Center and West Overton
Village & Museums take part in our Christmas House Tour this year.” The Geyer Performing Arts Center started in the 1890’s as the Geyer Opera House. The Arts Center started an extensive renovation in the mid 1980’s and is known for its wonderful stage productions and live events since the transformation. Period dressed guides will give you the history of this artistic treasure.
At West Overton Village & Museums, guests can step back in time as they tour the historic mansion’s second floor museum that is decked out in holiday finery and sample wassail, a historic mulled cider, from over the fire in the summer kitchen. In addition to the house, the WWII Exhibit will be open in the Distillery Museum. There will be activities like popcorn garland stringing and making “reindeer food.”
As you start the season in Scottdale, enjoy lunch or dinner in town at Wish’s Bar & Grill or Carson’s. You won’t want to miss all of the festivities for the Winter Light Celebration at the Gazebo Park, located near the Scottdale Public Library. The Winter Light Celebration is hosted by the Scottdale Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets for the Christmas House Tour are $15 each and can be purchased online in advance or the day of the tour at the historic Loucks Homestead. For tickets and more information about the tour please visit us at scottdalehistoricalsociety.com.
